Hyundai’s Electrified Pick-up to Debut in Australia. Is Our Market Next?

Hyundai Australia announces its entry into the pick-up market with an electrified model, aiming to meet the evolving demands of the industry.

• Hyundai Australia is set to introduce its first electrified pick-up.

• The company’s focus is on pricing and capability to meet Australia’s unique needs.

• Other automotive giants, such as Ford and Toyota, are also exploring electric pick-ups in the country.

Hyundai Australia is taking a bold step forward by confirming its plans to introduce its first electrified pick-up to the market. This announcement, reported by Car Expert Australia, was made by John Kett, the head of Hyundai in Australia, who shared that more details about this upcoming venture would be revealed in 2024.

Kett’s statement came as a reaction to BYD’s plans to launch a plug-in hybrid pick-up by the end of 2024 and a full electric vehicle by 2025. Acknowledging the industry’s shift towards electrification, Kett expressed confidence in Hyundai’s vision for the pick-up market, emphasizing both the importance of pricing and the capability of the vehicle to cater to Australian needs.

Interestingly, Hyundai’s decision isn’t isolated. Other leading automotive brands in Australia are also veering towards electrified pick-ups. Ford, for instance, is gearing up to introduce a plug-in hybrid version of its popular Ranger pick-up by 2025. Meanwhile, Toyota has showcased the HiLux Revo electric concept, hinting at the potential for an electric version of their top-selling pick-up in the future.

With a Chinese-made electric pick-up, the LDV eT60, already available in Australia, it provides a potential pricing benchmark, especially given LDV’s reputation as a budget-friendly brand.

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Kett didn’t specify if Hyundai’s new pick-up would be fully electric from its inception. Still, he emphasized the importance of current planning to adhere to upcoming fuel efficiency standards. He also hinted at a broader narrative regarding electric commercial vehicles, urging patience from consumers and reminding them of Hyundai’s 20-year journey in Australia.

As the global automotive landscape shifts, there’s a possibility we could witness such vehicles making their way to North America in the foreseeable future. Furthermore, Hyundai’s affiliate, Kia, is also reportedly working on its inaugural pick-up, potentially named the Tasman, which includes an electric variant.